Frasers Plus Luton’s Rooftop Bee Project Earns Prestigious Commonwealth Award
Frasers Plus Luton is celebrating a significant environmental milestone after its innovative “Bee Hives and Roof Garden” initiative secured a top honor at the Commonwealth Environment and CSR Awards.
The project, which converted a previously neglected rooftop space into a thriving sanctuary, is now home to four active beehives and a flourishing colony of more than 150,000 bees. The award serves as a testament to the centre’s commitment to sustainability and its creative approach to urban regeneration.
A Model of Sustainability
Developed as a cornerstone of the centre’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, the rooftop garden is a masterclass in resourcefulness. The entire space was constructed using recycled materials and operates with a zero-waste policy—all without relying on external funding. The garden features a sophisticated composting system, a water feature, and a variety of year-round flowering plants specifically chosen to support local biodiversity.
The success of the project is largely driven by the passion of the staff. Three team members—Finance Manager Tracey Bateman, Centre Administrator Martina Hall, and Deputy Security Manager Simon Rooms—underwent professional training to become qualified beekeepers. Beyond their efforts, the wider centre staff has also participated in bee awareness programs, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship across the workplace.
Making a Local Impact
The “Bee Hives and Roof Garden” project has proven that corporate social responsibility can yield tangible benefits for the community. The honey produced by the rooftop hives is bottled and sold, with 100% of the proceeds donated to the Luton Foodbank.
The initiative has far exceeded its initial expectations. While the team originally aimed to raise £1,000 and harvest 100lbs of honey, the project has achieved remarkable results: to date, 342lbs of honey have been harvested, generating an impressive £3,420 for the charity.
“Creating Quite the Buzz”
Laura McCluskey, Centre Director at Frasers Plus Luton, expressed her pride in the team’s accomplishment. “We are absolutely delighted to see our bees recognized with another award,” she said. “What started as an idea to transform an unused part of the centre has developed into something that benefits our environment, our team, and the wider Luton community.”
McCluskey added that the project has been a team-wide labor of love, from the daily maintenance of the hives to the community fundraising efforts.
As the project continues to gain momentum, it is clear that the Commonwealth Environment and CSR Awards recognition is just the latest in a series of accolades for the team. With such consistent success, it is no surprise that the bees at Frasers Plus Luton are creating quite the buzz across the region.
